Lambert Chapman LLP support the charity

If your browser does not support JavaScript, please read the page content below:

Moment Moment The magazine for supporters of Helen Rollason Cancer Charity April 2019 I ISSUE 49 Enabling quality of life while living with cancer 3 Get up to date with our new Hatfield Peverel Support Centre progress. Find out how Pilates and Yoga are helping our clients with cancer. 8 Meet our Winter Raffle winner Lynn Power and hear her cancer story. 14 Lambert Chapman LLP support the charity

Contents 03 Newsround Catch up on all the latest news from HRCC. 04 Fundraising events Find out more about our challenges and events. 06 Angela’s story We hear from cancer survivor Angela Forgione and how HRCC was able to help her and her family.

07 Meet a Counsellor Meet Counsellor Karen Undrill and find out more about the benefits of counselling. 08 Pilates and Yoga Read how our Pliates and Yoga classes are helping those affected by cancer. 09 Corporate Thank you Acknowledging the essential support we receive from our corporate supporters. 10 Volunteering Without them we would simply not be able to keep running. Meet some of our Volunteers and learn about their roles.

12 Hall of Fame We put the spotlight on HRCC’s wonderful supporters and fundraisers. 14 Lynn’s story Read how Lynn Power has coped with her diagnosis and treatment. 15 Pat's Stats See what we achieved in 2018 and our aims for 2019. How to contact us Office Yvonne Stewart House, The Street Hatfield Peverel, Chelmsford Essex CM3 2EH. Tel: 01245 380 719 enquiries@helenrollason.org.uk Fundraising Tel: 01245 380 719 fundraising@helenrollason.org.uk Cancer Support Centres Tel: 01245 380 719 Email: pat.hume@helenrollason.org.uk 02 Our centres support people living with cancer and we fund research to increase understanding of cancer, leading to improvements in treatment and prevention.

We receive our funding from public and corporate donations, fundraising events, grants, gifts in wills and through our eight charity shops. Moment Magazine would love to hear from you. If you have any stories you would like featured, please call our main office on 01245 380719. Read our latest news online www.helenrollason.org.uk Produced by Helen Rollason Cancer Charity. Registered Charity Number: 1052861. WELCOME A very warm welcome to the Spring edition of Helen Rollason Cancer Charity’s Moment Magazine. I hope you are all looking forward to some Summer sunshine spent with friends and family – I know I am! After joining the charity in 2015 as Fundraising Manager, I am very proud to have been promoted to CEO of the Helen Rollason Cancer Charity.

Chair of Trustees Graham Hart said “Since joining the Helen Rollason Cancer Charity over three years ago, Kate has re-shaped the fundraising function and volunteer base, evolving the charities annual key events as well as introducing new ones and reinvigorating the charity’s approach to marketing. Kate has demonstrated exceptional professionalism, leadership qualities, energy and enthusiasm as well as the ability to manage difficult situations and make tough decisions.” I am looking forward to entering this next exciting phase of the charity's evolution as we expand our services, look to address new fundraising streams and embark on the redevelopment of the charities headquarters, which will incorporate our new Support Centre in Hatfield Peverel (page 3).

A huge thank you to everyone who has supported me on my HRCC journey.

We’re lucky to have some wonderful and inspirational counsellors and therapists working in our Support Centres. Turn to page 7 to read personnel employee turned Counsellor, Karen Undrill’s story about her role at HRCC and what the charity means to her. On pages 10 and 11 we chat to some of our fantastic Volunteers, who give up their free time to help support the charity in a variety of roles. Last year I was privileged to meet two inspiring supporters who had battled their own cancer journeys. Angela Forgione was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 47, survived, and went onto host a number of fundraising events in aid of the charity (page 6) and Lynn Power, who went through a difficult journey after being diagnosed with multiple myeloma bone marrow cancer (page 14).

We have a busy event calendar to come this Summer, kicking off with Ride for Helen on 19th May, Vintage Fair on 30th June, our brand new Family Dog Day on 22nd September and our second ever Big Battle on 29th September; find out more on pages 4 and 5. On behalf of the Board of Trustees and our staff, I’d like to say a huge thank you for your ongoing support. To everyone who has fundraised, visited our shops, volunteered, attended one of our events or simply made a donation – thank you! I wish you health and happiness in 2019. Chief Executive Officer "Helen Rollason Cancer Charity are really helpful for people going through cancer and their relatives and carers.

I can recommend reflexology it was very relaxing...HR offer complimentary therapies as well as counselling... such a valuable service..." Patient quote Images - Vecteezy.com Kate Alden

Building work commences at Yvonne Stewart House Thanks to the kind support of the people and businesses of Essex, Hertfordshire and London, we have started work to reconstruct our premises in Hatfield Peverel into a purposebuilt Cancer Support Centre, which will also encompass offices to accommodate the Fundraising and Administrative teams. This will be another huge step forward and further improve the services we offer for those living with cancer. Featuring modern, state-of-the-art facilities, the new centre will provide complementary therapies including reflexology and aromatherapy, as well as counselling and support groups to those affected by cancer.

Included in the plans are social spaces, a relaxing garden area and free parking for our clients. With two additional treatment rooms being added, we will be able to offer 5,000 appointments annually.

Kate Alden, HRCC Chief Executive Officer said: “We are delighted to be in a position to move forward with the construction of the new Cancer Support Centre. Yvonne Stewart House was purchased with money bequeathed to us from the Stewart family. It has always been the plan to develop it into a functioning Support Centre and now, thanks to additional legacies and donations from our kind supporters, we are able to make this happen.” If you would like further information about the build or wish to make a donation, please contact the office on 01245 380719 or email: admin@helenrollason.org.uk.

02 03 We rely on your donations to continue our services "Wonderful staff that offered some lovely therapy to my mum following her cancer diagnosis.

Thank you." Patient quote Volunteer With the continuing success of our ebay shop we are looking for a volunteer to help us research and list products on ebay. This role will be based at our Head Office and the hours are flexible. For more details or to discuss the role please contact Suzanne Watson on 01245 380719. Hatfield Peverel Coffee Mornings Due to the building work taking place at Yvonne Stewart House, our coffee mornings have moved to their temporary new home at St Andrews Church Church Road Hatfield Peverel CM3 2LE. All are welcome for tea, coffee and cakes every third Saturday of the month.

Winter Raffle Winners Announced! HRCC Winter Raffle raised a fantastic £4,500 for the charity; thank you ever so much to everyone who bought tickets and also sent additional donations. 1st prize winner Ticket number 59838: Lynn P (find out more on page 9) 2nd prize winner Ticket number 21202: Nicole F 3rd prize winner Ticket number 34283: Louisa M Welcome to new fundraiser Karen Mitchell HRCC has welcomed Karen Mitchell, our new Corporate Fundraiser to the team. With a background working for large corporate companies Karen has always enjoyed building excellent partnerships and is really excited to be in this new role and making a difference to others.

If you are a local business wishing to partner with HRCC, give Karen a call on 01245 380719 or email karen.mitchell@ helenrollason.org.uk Ongar Charity Shop gets new lease of life! There have been big changes happening over at the HRCC Ongar Charity Shop; a new card machine has been installed so they are now able to take card payments and the shop has had a complete sort out and tidy up. Why not pay them a visit, check out the new look and browse through the half price rail - there are bargains to be had! We are still looking for Volunteers to help cover our 9am-1pm and 1pm-4.30pm shifts on Thursday and Saturday could you help us out? Contact the fundraising office for more information.

RIDE FOR HELEN - 2019 04 We rely on your donations to continue our services Vintage Fair and Christmas Fair We are now taking stall bookings for both our Vintage Fair on Sunday 30th June and Christmas Fair on Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th November; for queries or to be sent a booking form please contact the relevant Volunteer... Vintage Fair Vicki Butcher fundraising@helenrollason.org.uk Christmas Fair Barbara Richardson christmas@helenrollason.org.uk Ride for Helen is back for 2019 taking place on Sunday 19th May for its sixth year and promises to be one of the region’s biggest and best cycling events for Helen Rollason Cancer Charity! We offer six circular routes through the beautiful Essex countryside with distances of 6 miles, 15 miles, and new routes for 2019; 30 miles, 50 miles, 65 miles and 90 miles all starting and finishing at Hatfield Peverel.

6 miles – For the beginner or families with children, cycling on country lanes and roads around Hatfield Peverel.

15 miles – For the occasional cyclist looking for a pleasant ride passing through Church End, Rank’s Green, and Fairstead. 30 miles – For the regular cyclist looking for a challenge, cycling on roads passing through Rank’s Green, White Notley, Silver End, Kelvedon and Gt Braxted. 50 miles – For the keen adult cyclist looking to challenge their ability on country roads passing through Great Leighs, Felsted, Thaxted, Stisted, Black Notley and Fairstead. 65 miles – For the experienced adult cyclist looking for a challenging ride passing through Great Leighs, Felsted, Thaxted, Steeple Bumpstead, Finchingfield, Stisted, Black Notley and Fairstead.

90 miles – For the elite adult cyclist looking for a great ride passing through Great Leighs, Felsted, Thaxted, Steeple Bumpstead, Great Yeldham, Bures Hamlet, Wakes Colne, and Great Braxted. All adult registrations for the 6 mile route qualify for TWO FREE CHILD places and if you get 5 friends or colleagues to sign up you will receive a DISCOUNT OF 20% off your own booking fee. Pre-register and save £5 off your registration cost Brilliant day, loved every minute. Excellent staff, very well organised. Fantastic route this year. Really enjoyed it. Ride for Helen 2018 rider Visit www.rideforhelen.co.uk or call 01245 380719 to book.

Vintage Fair Vintage Fair Registered charity number 1052861 SUNDAY 30th JUNE 10:30am - 4:30pm A celebration of all things from a bygone era Pop up hair and beauty parlour, kitchenalia, fashion, jewellery, pre-loved furniture, Coconut Shy, classic cars with live music and dancing from... Cressing Temple Barns Witham Road, Cressing, Near Braintree CM77 8PD DOG FRIENDLY EVENT FREE PARKING Adults - £5 Under 16’s - FREE Concessions £4 For more details call 01245 380719 or to book tickets go to www.helenrollason.org.uk A fun family day out A fun family day out DOG FRIENDLY EVENT Saturday 23rd & Sunday 24th November 10am to 4pm An opportunity to do some early Christmas shopping including homeware, jewellery, art, books, toys gourmet delights and much more...

Chelmsford City Racecourse Main entrance off the A131, Great Leighs, Essex CM3 1QP For more information please call 01245 380 719 live entertainment including Christmas Gift and Food Fair Christmas Gift and Food Fair Adults - £5 Under 16’s - FREE Concessions - £4 FREE PARKING 2 for 1 tickets can be purchased in our shops from October Registered charity number 1052861 Chelmsford Community Gospel Choir

02 05 SCAFELL PIKE England 978 metres BEN NEVIS Scotland 1344 metres SNOWDON Wales 1085 metres Travel over 450 miles. Climb over 5,200 feet. Trek 25 miles on 3 mountains, back-to-back in 24 hours. 3 Peaks Challenge Are you looking for a super tough charity challenge this year? Why not join Team Helen and trek the 3 Peaks Challenge for Helen Rollason Cancer Charity! One of Britain’s toughest challenges, going from sea level to the summit of each of the highest mountains of Scotland, England and Wales. This fully supported trek will see you attempt Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon, back-toback.

The challenge covers around 40km of horizontal distance and over 3000m. of ascent, all in 24 hours with limited sleep. The challenge is tough and you need to be exceptionally fit. If you’d like more information we’d love to hear from you! Call the Fundraising Office on 01245 380719 or email fundraising@helenrollason.org.uk BIG BATTLE - 2019 We are inviting the brave and courageous to take part in our second ever Big Battle challenge on Sunday 29th September at The Event Village opposite the Secret Nuclear Bunker in Kelvedon Hatch. The 5km course will test your endurance, speed and strength, all in the name of charity.

A personal trainer will escort and encourage groups of participants around the course which will see you take on the famous Nuclear Races obstacles including the 15 lane zip-wire into water and 20 ft free-fall deathslide. Have you got the nerve? Last year, 48 brave supporters tackled the charities first ever Big Battle and raised over £5,000! This year we are looking to beat that target and more, so why not get in touch. Whether you are looking to enter as a corporate team, a family challenge or simply to complete your 2019 fitness goal; we would love to hear from you! Email fundraising@helenrollason.org.uk or call 01245 380719 to find out more.

Donate online at www.helenrollason.org.uk

06 www.helenrollason.org.uk Client Story - Angela Forgione I come from a large Italian family and have always had a wonderful support network around me. However little did I know how much the Helen Rollason Cancer Charity would help me when I was diagnosed with cancer. At the age of 47 I was teaching English in Gran Canaria when I felt the lump in my breast; upon returning home to the UK I immediately booked an appointment with the doctor who sent me to Southend Hospital for tests. After a mammogram, nothing was found and I assumed nothing was wrong. My final tests involved an ultra sound and biopsy; unbeknown to me they had found cancer.

Upon receiving my test results I hadn’t even asked anyone along for support as I was so adamant that they hadn’t found anything. When I received the awful news my whole world came crashing down around me. My nurse was immediately on the phone to my beloved niece Sabrina and my eldest sister Rocchina; I needed them now more than I ever had. After the initial shock my whole family and I decided to think positive and hold an optimistic approach to my treatments. Firstly I underwent a lumpectomy to remove the tumour, next was chemotherapy and finally radiotherapy. To combat the dreadful side effects I was put on a dose of steroids.

During this time I sadly lost my mother and having previously been diagnosed with Diabetes, my blood sugar levels had increased to dangerous levels. I felt depressed – rock bottom, I had constant mouth thrush and even after using a cold cap I lost most of my hair. My saving grace up until this time had been both my sisters Rocchina and Alfonsina and both my nieces, Sabrina and Natasha, my friends and family. However after speaking to a Macmillan nurse at Southend Hospital, she put me in touch with the Helen Rollason Cancer Charity. I visited the Southend Support Centre and immediately felt at ease; I was able to talk about how low I was feeling, without worrying about burdening my family who were still grieving the death of my mother.

Later on I met the wonderful Debbie who I now have regular reflexology appointments with; these are the highlight of my week. To give something back to this wonderful charity I donated towards the purchase of a new therapy couch for the Support Centre and hosted a Pink Day and fundraising Zumba party. I hope my contributions will help someone else going through what I have.

Without the support I received from the charity I really don’t know if I would be here today; they have been invaluable to my emotional wellbeing and I can’t thank them enough. London Edmonton Support Centre North Middlesex University Hospital, Sterling Way, Edmonton, London N18 1QX. Tel: 020 8887 2408 Monday to Friday 8.30am – 4.00pm Hertfordshire Herts & Essex Hospital The Kitwood Suite, Cavell Drive, off Haymeads Lane, Bishop’s Stortford CM23 5JH. Tel: 01279 827 646 Monday to Friday 9.00am – 4.30pm Essex Chelmsford Support Centre Rochelle House, Lawn Lane, Springfield, Chelmsford, Essex CM1 7TJ.

Such a wonderful charity and so helpful when l felt at my lowest. l now go for reflexology and the ladies are wonderful and have made such a difference to my treatment l am going through. A big thank you!" Patient quote Our Support Centres

Tell us about your role at HRCC? I am a counsellor at HRCC working in Rochelle House in Chelmsford. On average I see 8 clients per week on a Wednesday and Thursday. People come to us for a variety of reasons. We give them a space to talk about their cancer, to reflect and think about their experiences and to explore how they are feeling. Clients sometimes find that speaking to someone who is not a family member, or a friend can be really helpful. The service is open to family members who have been affected by cancer as well as the person themselves.

What has been your highlight of working with HRCC so far? It’s a privilege to sit alongside people who have experienced cancer in some way and to give them the chance to talk about their experiences, perhaps saying how they feel for the very first time, which can be incredibly meaningful.

What does working for HRCC mean to you? I am proud to be part of HRCC and see the good that they are doing. Since I have been here, I have watched it evolve and the motivation from everyone here has continued to make it happen. It’s great to be part of a team and I continue to learn a lot. Tell us a little bit about your background?

I have not always been a counsellor - to begin with I was part of the corporate world. I realised that I enjoyed working with people and so moved in to personnel. As my interest in people grew, I decided to take a part-time degree in Psychology. I went on to train as a counsellor - first as an individual counsellor and then as a couples counsellor. I have now been counselling for over fifteen years. To begin with it was as a volunteer counsellor on a phone line and then as a faceto-face counsellor with various organisations. My experience to date includes working with a local mediation service (counselling couples and individuals), with the NHS and other charities.

I now work with HRCC, I have my own private practice and I help run a low-cost counselling service for older adults.

What do you do to relax? What’s been interesting for me is to see the kind of things that HRCC has to offer people to relax. I intend to try some of these when I have time. For now, I enjoy walking, reading, watching films, and socializing when I can. If this article has raised questions about counselling and it's benefits or if you would like to meet with one of our trained counsellors please contact one of our Support Centres to arrange an appointment to see how this service could benefit you. Helen Rollason Cancer Charity counselling is available for both cancer patients and their carers.

I received wonderful care throughout my treatment.

I had counselling which was so helpful because the body is treated but it takes a long time for the mind to catch up. I also had gentle reflexology which was so relaxing. All the staff and volunteers were lovely. Really got me through such a traumatic time thank you so much." Patient quote 02 07 We rely on your donations to continue our services Meet Counsellor Karen Undrill who works at our Chelmsford Support Centre Counsellor - Karen Undrill Dates for your diary Ride for Helen Sunday 19th May 2019 From 8am The Crix, London Road, Hatfield Peverel CM3 2EU Our annual cycle ride is one of the region’s biggest and best cycling events, which offers a choice of cycling routes to suit all capabilities.

There will be some new routes for 2019, so watch this space! Vintage Fair Sunday 30th June 2019 10.30am – 4.30pm Cressing Temple Barns, Braintree, Essex CM77 8PD.

Celebrating its 10th year, vintage and retro lovers are invited to roll back the years and dress to impress for our extremely popular Vintage Fair; a family friendly day filled with live music, dancing, food, hundreds of classic cars and an abundance of vintage stalls selling homeware, fashion, jewellery, pre-loved furniture and more. Pedal4Cancer Sunday 8th September 2019 City of London This fantastic entry level cycle ride of approx. 100km from London to Cambridge is back for its second year. Get together with friends and family or team up with work colleagues, get sponsored and take on the challenge for Helen Rollason Cancer Charity.

Save the date! Sunday 8th September 2019 20 year celebration of HRCC. More details to be announced soon. Family Dog Day Sunday 22nd September 2019 Essex Dog Training Centre, Doddinghurst Road, Brentwood, Essex CM15 9NN. Join us for our very first Family Dog Day – a light hearted dog event for families and couples or individuals wishing to enter their pet dogs as opposed to a more formal dog show. The event will include 13 show classes, catering, market place offering doggie items in addition to a range of other gifts, food and drink items. The Big Battle Sunday 29th September 2019 From 11am The Event Village, Brentwood CM15 0LA.

Prepare to get muddy as a personal trainer escorts you around the 5k course which will see you take on the famous Nuclear Races obstacles including the zip wire into water and death slide. Must be pre-booked.

Helen Rollason Cancer Charity is working with some fantastic organisations to ensure that those touched by cancer are able to access support through a variety of groups, workshops and courses. We are dedicated to supporting people whose lives are affected by cancer and as well as providing holistic therapies, we also have Pilates and Yoga classes to help ease the symptoms of cancer, both physically and mentally. Pilates Where: Roydon, Essex. When: Thursday mornings, weekly. Cost: Free - donations welcome. Pilates sessions are run by Heather Oakes who is an experienced Pilates tutor and has undertaken additional specialist training to work with those with a cancer diagnosis.

Her passion and enthusiasm blend with 20 years clinical teaching to generate an amazing client lead experience. Now based in her own home studio, her background in education and natural spark make each session a pleasure to be part of. Heather offers a small Pilates group with a maximum of 5 places per week so you can be given corrective advice, alternatives, options and to help you to feel at ease. Each session lasts forty five minutes and includes gentle exercises to support re-building and retaining strength post treatment. The classes run in 6 week blocks so you can attend as part of the same small group creating a lovely relaxed atmosphere.

The movement and gentle stretching has really helped my scar tissue.” “I’ve been surprised at how much Pilates has helped me mentally and physically. I really feel like by taking part, I’m helping my recovery as much as possible.” For more information or to book a session with Heather, please contact our Bishop’s Stortford Support Centre on 01279 827646. Yoga Where: The Wellness Barn, Margaretting, Essex. When: Tuesday mornings, fortnightly. Cost: Free - donations welcome. Sarah Linsley and Emily Hughes own The Wellness Barn, a holistic centre in the beautiful countryside of Margaretting.

Sarah is a qualified Yoga instructor and Emily is a Psychotherapist; together they have created a beautiful safe, nurturing space for people to come and take care of themselves and be educated either through yoga, meditation and relaxation.

The ladies hold “Charitable Tuesdays” at the barns; a space open for anyone affected by cancer. The sessions include a very gentle yoga class incorporating breathing techniques that have a direct effect on the autonomic nervous system bringing the mind, body and breath into balance. Afterwards tea is served with conversation around any feelings that may have surfaced during the class within the comfort of the therapy room. “I find that the yoga is not only beneficial to my overall health and well-being; I find it helps with reducing the side effects of chemotherapy, reduces stress, anxiety and fatigue.

I leave the class fully relaxed, after an hour of ‘me time’ and it helps improve my mood and sleep routine.” “Sarah is a no pressure yoga instructor who doesn’t get us to stand on our head! Very relaxing, I very much enjoy and I wish I had done it sooner” For more information or to book a session with Sarah and Emily, please contact our Chelmsford Support Centre on 01245 463633. 08 www.helenrollason.org.uk Pilates and Yoga with Helen Rollason Cancer Charity

We receive no government or NHS funding to raise the £800,000 we need to keep our services running, but thanks to the generous supporters and businesses across Essex, Hertfordshire and London we are able to remain operational. Our clients are 80% 20% Types of cancer we support Bladder

Blood

Bone

Bowel

Brain

Breast

Colon

Head and Neck

Liver

Lung Lymphoma/Non Hodgkins Lymphoma

Melanoma

Gynaecological

Penile and Rectal

Prostate

Stomach Corporate - Thank you 02 9 Donate online at www.helenrollason.org.uk The fantastic team at Lambert Chapman LLP have raised a whopping £2,240 from their recent Quiz Night - the most they have ever raised from a single event! A massive thank you to everyone involved in the organisation and all who attended the event. A huge thank you to Laura Harrison from QBE in Chelmsford for nominating us at the Lloyds of London Charities Trust.

We were delighted to be one of the charities benefiting from a grant of £4,000! CEO Kate Alden attended the Lloyd’s Market Charity Awards to pick up the cheque and to thank Laura for her kind nomination. Thanks to Country Flooring of Chelmsford for their donation of the stair carpet for Rochelle House; our Chelmsford Support Centre. There are still places available for our Corporate Quiz on Thursday 9th May. Register your team's place and test your combined knowledge against other local businesses.

Book your place by calling Karen Mitchell on 01245 380719 or email karen.mitchell@helenrollason.org.uk.

439 new clients registered with us in 2018 439 new clients registered with us in 2018 HRCC STATS 23% of clients are aged 26 - 49 years old 23% of clients are aged 26 - 49 years old 43% of clients are aged 50-65 years old 43% of clients are aged 50-65 years old 30% of clients are aged 66+ 30% of clients are aged 66+

10 www.helenrollason.org.uk "My husband and I received fantastic care from you all. It was uplifting every time we visited. Thank you just does not seem enough. " Patient quote 10 www.helenrollason.org.uk Volunteering for Helen Rollason Cancer Charity Each issue, we put the spotlight on a retail volunteer that goes that extra mile for the charity. In this edition we are catching up with Josh Turner, 20 from our Burnham charity shop, who in his spare time not only helps out in the shop, but has been busy fundraising for the charity. Your age and where you live: I am 20 years old and live in Southminster.

How long have you been volunteering for Helen Rollason Cancer Charity?

I have been volunteering for HRCC for nearly 6 years. Tell us a bit about your background and how you became a retail volunteer? I decided that in year 10 of secondary education that I would sign up to do the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze award. For the volunteering section I decided to volunteer at the HRCC shop. I carried this on throughout my Duke of Edinburgh awards all the way to gold and am still volunteering in the shop to this day. Before volunteering I was quite a quiet person who stuck to themselves. However from volunteering I have certainly gained so much more confidence.

Describe your average day in the shop? My average day when I started working in the shop was 1pm-4pm.

I would be sorting pricing and putting donations into the shop as well as serving the customers. However, since working in the shop for 6 years I have built up professional relationships with the volunteers and customers, so I now am a Volunteer Day Manager. What have you gained from working in the shop? I have gained many customer service skills from volunteering at the Helen Rollason Cancer Charity shop. The customers who come in regularly know who I am and know my name in person which is extremely nice as I feel part of the shop and people are always saying how hard I work. I enjoy working in a team environment and the experience I have gained has also helped me to obtain employment.

What skills do you think potential new retail volunteers need for the role?

Training is provided in all aspects of volunteering in the shop however I feel retail volunteers need to be punctual, reliable and enjoy meeting people. What kind of hobbies do you like to do in your spare time? I am a member of Maylandsea Bay Sailing Club and frequently steer the safety boat and socialise with other members. What fundraising have you done for HRCC? On Carnival Day, I organised tables out the front of the shop with the help of my brother and sister. I have also helped organise independent raffles in the Burnham shop with many volunteers seeking out local businesses for raffle prizes which we really appreciate.

I have also organised a Christmas Tree and table top sale at St Leonards Church in Southminster.

Over the Summer of 2018 I have also fully refurbished the charity shops windows – all in all I’m always busy helping the charity! Charity Shop SUPERSTAR Josh Turner Volunteers are an integral part of HRCC; without them we simply would not be able to keep running. We are always looking to grow our group of volunteers as our team of paid staff is small. Whether you can help for a full day, for a couple of hours a week or even on an ad-hoc basis then we would love to hear from you. There are a variety of roles which you could undertake and we have gathered a selection of stories to give you an idea of how our volunteers help keep our charity operational.

02 11 Volunteer Sue Seabrooke is from Little Waltham, Chelmsford. Sue has volunteered at the Helen Rollason Cancer Charity for over 9 years. “My husband lost his fight against prostate cancer several years ago. During this time I sadly met with quite a few cancer patients whilst visiting the hospital and thought how rewarding it would be to help in any way I could through charity work. My role is to collect and replace the charities tins as and when required, count and bank the money. I have also always helped at our annual Vintage and Christmas Fairs, both of which are hard work but great fun and rewarding.

I have gained a lot of satisfaction in the thought that I have, in some small way, helped those people suffering with this dreadful disease; cancer. I have also been fortunate to have gained a lot of new friends.” Alongside Sue, Ron Cameron covers the Hertfordshire area with tin collections. Ron is 65 and lives in Bishop’s Stortford. “I chose to volunteer with the Helen Rollason Cancer Charity because it is a local charity which relies heavily on unpaid volunteers; they are very prudent with their spending and a very high percentage of the income it brings in goes directly to free patient care.

As well as my tins, I supplement this with bucket collections in local stores such as Aldi, Budgens and Co-op. In 2017 my collections raised £13,700 and in 2018 it was over £15,500.” Marrianne Irving, 45 from Little Waltham is one of many Volunteers who give up their time to help out at our various fundraising events. “In 2010 I was diagnosed with Non Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and was treated at Broomfield Hospital in Chelmsford. The HRCC Support Centre at Rochelle House in Chelmsford helped me so much during a very scary time in my life. I received reflexology treatments and counselling from the team there and the support was invaluable to my recovery.

To give something back to this incredible charity I regularly volunteer at their events – Ride for Helen is one of my favourites and I am very proud to help out on the day. There is such a team spirit and everyone gets stuck in.” Angela Radley, 70 from Springfield volunteers at our Chelmsford Support Centre, Rochelle House. “I organise our local Melbourne Ladies group and we once had a speaker from the Helen Rollason Cancer Charity come and speak to us. I decided I wanted to get involved with the charity so now I work at our Chelmsford Support Centre; Rochelle. My main duties are welcoming all of our clients into the centre, making teas and coffees, ensuring our kitchen and waiting room is clean and tidy and our towels are ready for the next appointment.

I really enjoy working as part of the team and the ladies are all so wonderful to w o r k with. I also volunteer for Farleigh Hospice and Lawford Mead Primary School in Chelmsford.” Tania Smith, 40 from Hatfield Peverel lists items on our Ebay shop which brings in over £2,000 a month for the charity. “One day I’ll be making up a Lego structure to ensure all the pieces are accounted for, another day I’ll be researching china to establish a price to list the item for. Once an item has sold we have another team of Volunteers who package and send them out.

I volunteer because the fundraising office is local to where I live and I love being part of the fundraising team.” Shane Higgins, 54 from Witham comes into the Fundraising Office in Hatfield PevereltoundertakeMusicMagpie;asystemwhichallowsusto send DVDs and CDs to a company in exchange for donations. “I come into the office every Thursday morning for a couple of hours to scan all of the DVDs and CDs. If they aren’t taken by Music Magpie I have also been selling them in bulk on my own Facebook page.

I love coming into the office every week where this is always a cup of tea and a friendly face to greet me; HRCC is a fantastic charity which initially helped me so now I want to give something back.” We have opportunities to work in our charity shops, Support Centres, at our fundraising events and our charity HQ.

Volunteering can be so rewarding; to find out more about how you can get involved call the fundraising team on 01245 380719 or email fundraising@helenrollason.org.uk "My husband and I received fantastic care from you all. It was uplifting every time we visited. Thank you just does not seem enough." Patient quote "I look forward to my treatments; they are all such lovely caring people." Patient quote "I received wonderful care and therapy from the Support Centre in Chelmsford. You made the unbearable, bearable." Patient quote "Kind, caring, considerate, compassionate and the treatments are fabulous.

So glad I was put in touch with the fabulous team at Helen Rollason Cancer Charity." Patient quote We rely on your donations to continue our services

Hall of Fame 12 www.helenrollason.org.uk Model fundraisers A huge thank you to Chelmsford Society of Model Engineers who raised a fantastic £1,000 from their recent open day. Thank you all. Daen Ingas Masonic Lodge David Payne from the Daen Ingas Masonic Lodge in Maldon presented CEO Kate Alden with a cheque for £1,000 after they held a ladies night fundraising evening - a huge thank you to all involved. Essex Lace Makers A massive thank you to the Essex Lace Makers for their generous donation of £291 raised by the sale of bobbins. Now in their 7th year; the grand total of money they have kindly donated is £5,322.75 which is making a real difference in our effort to support people living with cancer.

Detectorists Kind Volunteer Sue Barber allowed a group of metal detectors access to her land, in return for donations to the charity and from the sale of a coin they found – a massive £1,075 was raised, thank you. Putting HRCC 1st A massive thank you to Alan Blake and all involved at Enfield Golf Club for raising an incredible £9,400 for the charity from Captain Alan’s events - tremendous effort! It has been a busy time of fundraising for HRCC with lots of events... Girl Football Power On 13th December last year, the Vixens under 13 girls football club in Braintree took on their mums in an epic football match all to raise funds for HRCC and their club; the girls went easy on their mums but still claimed victory with a score of 8 – 0.

Great fun and £260 was raised in the process – well done and thank you to all involved. Tea for Helen A huge thank you to the lovely Anne Brown who held a Tea for Helen at the wonderful Blossom Hill Florist in Danbury. There was tea, coffee and cake on offer and plenty of visitors popping into the shop with £178.30 raised - thank you all.

02 13 Donate online at www.helenrollason.org.uk Tea for Helen A huge thank you to 11 year old Kai from Bishop's Stortford who kindly held a Tea for Helen event on 6th October at his home and raised a fantastic £150 for HRCC - excellent work thank you Kai. Please send details and pictures of your events for inclusion in our Moment Magazine to holly.butler@helenrollason.org.uk Big thanks to...all of our supporters and fundraisers Christmas lights A huge thank you to Frank Petchey and all of the residents of Nayling Road in Braintree and everyone who visited their fantastic Christmas display over the festive period.

An incredible £1,300 was raised for HRCC - amazing! Dinner Dance A huge thank you to Laura and Dan our London Marathon Golden Bond Place holders who recently held a Dinner Dance at The Lion Inn at Boreham. A massive £2,600 was raised on the night from sales of raffle tickets and the auction – wonderful! Salvation Army Carol Concert HRCC Therapist Rachael Hart recently attended the Bishop's Stortford Salvation Army Community Carol Concert which raised an incredible £510 for the charity. Rachael was joined by Lieutenant Megan Kerwin and the Hadleigh Salvation Army band - thank you all. Am dram thank you mam! A huge thank you to the 'Pantoloons' am-dram society who performed Peter Pan in January of this year and donated all their funds to HRCC; a grand total of £500! Thank you so much guys!

Braintree Lions A huge thank you to our fantastic team of elves who joined Santa and the Lions Club of Braintree, bucket collecting for HRCC over the Christmas period – thanks to the kind and generous residents of Braintree a huge £606.07 was raised. Having a Ball Helen and Emily Thomson hosted a Christmas Ball on the 22nd December at Little Channels Golf Club in Little Waltham; from donations on the night and ticket sales a huge £2684.09 was raised – incredible work thank you. Maureen Beales, Heather Carr, William Herbert Clements, Valerie Crouch, Anthony Dickens, Gladys Gulliver, Janice Sandra Harding, Joan Harvey, Donald Hodge, David Johnson, David Mellor, Michael Rolph, Simon Rowan, Debbie Russell, Eileen Shilton, Tony Sontag, Neil Williams.

Legacies Ann George If you’d like to find out more about leaving a legacy or making a donation in memory of a loved one, please contact the charity office on 01245 380719 or email enquiries@helenrollason.org.uk Donations in memory

14 www.helenrollason.org.uk Raffle winner and client Lynn Power shares her story... The year was 2005 and I was 54 years old; I started getting excruciating pains in my left shoulder blade which prompted a visit to the osteopath. When they couldn’t ease my pain, my GP was my next option. Firstly I was told “you’ve got to expect these types of aches and pains at your age.” Not helpful! The pain got steadily worse and my poor husband Noel was having to care for me more and more.

In the end it took 11 months from my first GPs visit, to being diagnosed with multiple myeloma bone marrow cancer.

I was initially sent to The Rivers Hospital in Sawbridgeworth and stayed there for 3 months; my spine would not flex and I was confined to a wheelchair. My radiotherapy started at North Middlesex Hospital in Edmonton; five rounds of it, and then Harlow Hospital for two chemotherapy sessions. The side effects were tough; I was constantly tired, I sadly lost my hair but gained a fabulous wig! It took me about 5 months to recover from my treatments but I needed more... I later underwent an incredible procedure at Addenbrookes Hospital in Cambridge called autologous stem-cell transplantation, where bone marrow was extracted from my body, treated with radiotherapy and then put back inside me.

When the doctors told me this is how I would be treated I was shocked; what an amazing procedure!

Still suffering with some of the emotional scars of my cancer journey, I came across an article in a newspaper which was advertising the Helen Rollason Cancer Charity. I decided to get in touch and met counsellor Lorna for my first session. I knew I’d made the right decision when I felt instantly calmer; there is something about talking to strangers that comes easily to us all. I later had reflexology which helped immensely with the medication I had to take. Life went back to normal for a while, until in 2012 I noticed a clicking sound in my ribs, and pain in my spine and pelvis; the cancer had returned.

After a second stem-cell transplant and an unfortunate bout of MRSA I was on the mend again. It took less time to recover with the help of Noel, my daughter Nadine, my son Andrew and the Helen Rollason Cancer Charity. Once a month I lay down on the HRCC couch at the Bishop’s Stortford Support Centre with Clare my therapist and I talk about my hopes, my worries, my feelings while she gives me a reflexology treatment. After the session I come out of the little room feeling like I’m walking on air; it gives me a real lift.

I recently had a telephone call from the Helen Rollason Cancer Charity fundraising office informing me I had won first prize in their Winter Raffle which came as a complete shock! I had received the tickets along with my Moment Magazine, having been a member of their Helen’s Club since it first began. It was my husbands 70th birthday recently so we treated ourselves to a break away in Lincoln to celebrate; the money paid for our whole trip. I donated £50 back to the charity from my winnings and I would like to personally thank everyone at the Support Centre for making it a warm, welcoming and calm place to come.

I shall be forever grateful. Join Helen's Club for your chance to win £100 every month If you’d like to join Helen’s Club and be in with a chance of winning £100 a month, please contact the fundraising office on 01245 380719 or email fundraising@helenrollason.org.uk Recent Winners OCTOBER - M. Gibbons, Ilford NOVEMBER - D. Palmer, Colchester DECEMBER - B. Smith, Harlow JANUARY - L. Roberts, Chelmsford FEBRUARY - E. Grounsell, Bishop's Stortford MARCH - B Sweeney, Chelmsford "I look forward to my treatments; they are all such lovely caring ladies." Patient quote L-R: Therapist Clare Wood with Lynn Power.

Lynn Power being presented with her prize by Holly Butler, Marketing and Communications Coordinator

n As a UK tax payer I would like to Gift Aid my donations of money and goods to the charity. (by ticking this box, we collect 25p per £1 you give at no extra cost to you) n I wish to make a ONE-OFF DONATION. Amount . Please make cheques payable to Helen Rollason Heal Cancer Charity. For credit card payments please call the office on 01245 380719. BANK STANDING ORDER n I wish to make A REGULAR MONTHLY DONATION. Amount ( Date of first payment ) Bank name . Address . . . Postcode . . Account number Sort code Signature . Date . .

Mobile . . Preferred method of contact Email n Post n Telephone n Date of birth (optional _ _ I would like more information on: Gift Aid n Helen's Club n Social events n Fundraising events n Volunteering in our - Shops n Support Centres n Office n Events n Data protection - I agree that any personal data relating to me may be held on computer solely for the use of the Helen Rollason Cancer Charity in carrying out its normal business on the understanding that the following Data Protection Principles are implemented: All personal data will be: 1. Obtained and processed fairly and lawfully; 2.

Adequate; relevant and not excessive; 3. Accurate and up-to-date; 4. Kept no longer than necessary; 5. Available to the subject of the data upon written request and 6. Kept secure. because it all adds up 02 15 We rely on your donations to continue our services Pat's Stats In 2018 we delivered over 10,200 treatments to support people living with cancer. If you would like to donate to the Helen Rollason Cancer Charity or to find out about the many different ways you can support us as either an individual or business then please call 01245 380719 to discuss how with us or visit our website www.helenrollason.org.uk On average 204 treatments per week.

With more funding we could deliver 250 treatments per week. O U R AIM To deliver 12,500 treatments

Your chance to win £100 and enable quality of life while living with cancer. www.helenrollason.org.uk JOIN HELEN’s CLUB Q uality of life while living with cance r Vintage Fair Vintage Fair SUNDA Y 30TH JUNE 10:30am - 4:30pm Cressing Temple Barns Witham Road, Cressing Near Braintree CM77 8PD For more details or to book a stall call 01245 380719. Book online at www.helenrollason.org.uk A fun family day out A celebration of all things from a bygone era DOG FRIENDLY EVENT SUNDAY 29th September BRENTWOOD, ESSEX, CM15 0LA To register Call 01245 380719 or visit www.helenrollason.org.uk Suitable for all levels of fitness The Big Battle 5km obstacle course over mixed, muddy terrain at the famous ‘Nuclear Races’ Are YOU brave enough?

Thousands battle cancer every year. Help us support them by taking on... Registered charity number 1052861 Minimum age 13 £50 per person LIMITED PLACES AVAILABLE Registered charity number 1052861 RIDE FOR HELEN SUNDAY 19th MAY Registered charity number 1052861 Enabling quality of life while living with cancer Six circular cycle routes from Hatfield Peverel, Essex Four NEW routes Two FREE child places with each adult on six mile route Register online at www.rideforhelen.co.uk or call 01245 380719